Company of Women, an organization that supports, connects and promotes women in business. Bizwomen focuses on the thoughts and observations of being women in business today.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Time to practice what I preach – be bold.

“You’re too subtle.” my friend advised.“I know that is your comfort zone, but being
nice doesn’t always win the race.” she added as she told me to buck up, promote
myself and get out of my own way.By her
take on the situation, I needed to toot my own horn more about what we do and
how much we offer women business owners.

Now deep down I know she’s right – on all counts – putting
myself out there, bragging or aggressively going after potential members – has
never been my style.I don’t like to
pressure people, but I am realizing, that in staying low profile and not
telling people about what we offer, I am actually doing them a disservice.They’re missing out on a great
opportunity.Because, as my mother would
say, we’re the best thing since sliced bread.There, that wasn’t so difficult.

Plus it’s a bargain at the price.I checked around and other groups charge a
lot more and their members don’t get that much for their investment – maybe two
meetings a month if they’re lucky.

Compare that to the 80+ events a year that we offer.Now it could be argued that not all are
conveniently located for everyone, but that’s why we host webinars.With webinars you can stay home, be in your
PJs if you like, and learn at your own pace and time slot.What could be better than that, and if you’re
a member, they are free, so the price is right.

I’ve been doing this for 12 years now – a long time in a
business where groups come and go - often starting with great flourish to
disappear into the sunset a couple of years later. Why is that?Well if you are out to make a quick buck,
this isn’t the gig for you.It’s not
that you don’t make any money, but it is a hard slog. No, this is a labour of love.

So what keeps me going?I want to make a difference and I firmly believe at Company of Women we
do just that.Success to me is when I
see one of my members, blossom, grow and make a real success of her business,
or when I connect two people and the synergy takes over.

I feel we’re a class act, and I am proud of what we offer.There, that wasn’t too difficult, but still
not comfortable press-ganging people to join.You see I want you to discover it for yourself – so check out our
website – www.companyofwomen.caOur slogan is Be bold. Be brave.
Belong.

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About Me

Originally from Scotland, I emigrated to Canada over 30 years ago. I've had an eclectic career from running non-profit organizations, working for government on women's issues, to being editor of a magazine.

For past ten years have been running Company of Women, an organization that supports and connects women entrepreneurs.